Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Senate leadership
16 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Scott, Kissinger, Mansfield
When Senate leadership comes up
Related topics: Hugh ScottVietnam WarWhite House operationsPresidential communicationPolitical strategyLegislative relationsPresidential schedulingPeace negotiationsLegislative strategyCongressional relations1972 electionWhite House schedulingWhite House operatorWhite House communications
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:32 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-068 of the White House Tapes.
On November 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:24 pm and 4:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-048 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott to extend birthday wishes and commend him for his successful leadership in securing a key Senate vote on a foreign military aid amendment. The conversation focuses on the strategic value of providing foreign assistance to reduce U.S. troop levels in regions like Korea and Vietnam. Henry Kissinger joins briefly to offer further congratulations and acknowledge Scott's recent progress in fostering Republican unity during legislative proceedings.
President Nixon met briefly with Senate leaders Hugh Scott and Mike Mansfield to coordinate an upcoming meeting and discuss general scheduling. The President noted the unique position of both senators as non-candidates in the upcoming election cycle, expressing his desire to engage in informal dialogue away from partisan pressures. The exchange served primarily as a brief pleasantry to arrange a more substantive future engagement.
President Nixon called Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield to express appreciation for his public support of the administration's recent Vietnam peace proposal and to discuss the ongoing secret negotiation strategy. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. continues to engage with both the Soviet Union and China regarding Vietnam while maintaining strict confidentiality to protect sensitive diplomatic channels. Additionally, Nixon outlined his upcoming travel itinerary for his historic trip to China, requested a bipartisan leadership breakfast for February 17, and proposed facilitating a visit for Mansfield to China during future discussions with Chinese officials.
Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott met with President Nixon to relay positive public feedback regarding the President's recent statement following a leadership meeting. The discussion focused on political strategy, specifically characterizing those advocating for alternative peace terms as undermining the administration's chances for a diplomatic settlement before the upcoming election. Nixon reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a unified stance, acknowledging Scott's critical role in steering party support for his foreign policy initiatives.
Henry Kissinger contacted Senator Robert C. Byrd to request a delay of an upcoming Democratic caucus regarding Vietnam, citing the extreme sensitivity of ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Le Duc Tho. Byrd explained that while he had already postponed the meeting at the request of J. William Fulbright, he was constrained by Senate leadership obligations and required a public justification to delay it further. Kissinger agreed to consult with President Nixon to determine if sufficient information could be shared with Byrd to provide that justification, while both men emphasized the need for strict confidentiality regarding their communication.
On June 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 1:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 025-077 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff, including Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman, to coordinate the logistics for an upcoming meeting and photograph session with Senate leaders regarding busing legislation. The participants focused on timing the session to ensure optimal media coverage and press accessibility. Additionally, the President managed routine administrative matters, including his personal schedule, correspondence with Congressmen, and a barber appointment.
President Nixon consulted with Congressman Wilbur D. Mills to solicit praise and strategic advice regarding a recent legislative speech delivered on the House floor. Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two discussed coordinating a high-stakes meeting with Senate leadership scheduled for the following Thursday morning. Nixon sought to align legislative strategy while navigating the sensitive, partisan nature of the upcoming discussions with key senators.
President Nixon met with Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott to discuss recent political matters and express gratitude for Scott's support on specific legislative or public policy issues. The discussion touched upon the strategic optics of political appearances, involving governors and mayors, as well as the upcoming post-election transition. Additionally, the two briefly addressed budgetary concerns and the necessity of managing the administration's fiscal image moving forward.
On December 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:29 am and 11:56 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-086 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with William E. Timmons regarding the strategic value of hosting a breakfast meeting with Senate leaders Mike Mansfield, Hugh Scott, Robert Griffin, and Robert Byrd. The President sought to use this session to cultivate rapport and brief the senators on developments in Southeast Asia, trade negotiations, and the Soviet Union's Most Favored Nation status. Nixon emphasized the necessity of Mansfield’s attendance, deciding that if the Senate Majority Leader could not attend, the meeting would not proceed.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-115 of the White House Tapes.
On May 24, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:34 pm and 1:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon prepares for an upcoming meeting with Congressional leaders, including Gerald Ford and Leslie Arends, to discuss legislative strategy and pending petitions. The participants coordinate the arrival of these guests and emphasize the importance of maintaining communication with Senate leadership. The brief discussion serves as a final briefing to ensure the President is ready to address key legislative priorities upon the arrival of the congressional delegation.